Sea Otter Enhydra lutris
January 1, 1997
The sea otter, Enhydra lutris, is the largest member of the Mustelidae family and is the only one which lives entirely in marine waters. Sea otters are unique among marine mammals because, unlike whales, dolphins and seals, they do not have a layer of fat or blubber to keep them warm in the cool oceans of the North Pacific. Instead, sea otters depend on dense fur that traps tiny air bubbles to insulate them from the cold water. To stay warm, they also must maintain a very high metabolic rate, requiring the sea otter to eat about 25% of its body weight per day. Sea otters eat mostly invertebrates - clams, crabs, urchins, and mussels - found in shallow coastal waters.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Title | Sea Otter Enhydra lutris |
| Authors | James L. Bodkin, Brenda E. Ballachey |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | Other Government Series |
| Series Title | Restoration Notebook of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council |
| Index ID | 70186426 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Alaska Science Center |